In 1977, Gallery I opened at Market East, bookended by Strawbridge and Clothier to the east and Gimbels to the west. This urban mall was an effort to compete with the suburban shopping experience, which had grown considerably in the years prior. While the Strawbridge’s building had been in use for decades, Gimbels occupied a (remarkably unattractive) newly constructed space, moving from their original location across the street.
Clik here to view.
Original Gimbels from the Department Store Museum
Clik here to view.
Opening of the new Gimbels, photo by Jack Byrne1
Initially, the Gallery achieved quite a bit of success, which led to the construction of Gallery II in 1984. In recent decades, however, the Gallery is considered an architectural failure, creating an unwelcome experience for pedestrians with its inward looking design. With virtually no street presence, the Gallery creates a desert-like environment…
